Protesters disperse after being told of ‘process’ to address Drumcree dispute

Orange men gather near Drumcree Church as police form a barricade to prevent them entering the Garvaghy Road, where members of the Orange Order were due to take part in the first return parade on the road for almost 30 years. Picture date: Sunday September 27, 2026. - (PA Wire)

Protesters who blockaded a road in Portadown to stop a contentious loyal order parade have mostly dispersed after being told by a community leader that a fresh process to address the dispute was being initiated.

At the height of the blockade, thousands of people gathered on the Garvaghy Road throughout Sunday to prevent the Orange Order parade from nearby Drumcree Church from passing along the route.